Table 2. Comparative and descriptive results of the subchondral bone analysis for residual microfracture hole and peri-hole bone resorption on micro-computed tomography.
| Microfracture | Enhanced microfracture | P values | |
|---|---|---|---|
| (n = 18 holes) | (n = 18 holes) | ||
| Residual microfracture holes | |||
| Number (%) | 2 (11%) | 6 (33%) | 0.228 |
| Horizontal diameter (mm) | 1.70 ± 0.02 | 1.50 ± 0.22 | 0.290 |
| Vertical diameter (mm) | 2.07 ± 0.13 | 2.43 ± 0.53 | 0.290 |
| Area (mm2) | 1.91 ± 0.60 | 2.02 ± 0.36 | 0.640 |
| Bone bridge height (mm) | 2.16 ± 0.51 | 1.97 ± 0.83 | 0.860 |
| Peri-hole bone resorption | |||
| Number (%) | 16 (89%) | 12 (67%) | 0.228 |
| Horizontal diameter (mm) | 3.29 ± 0.22 | 3.43 ± 0.19 | 0.570 |
| Vertical diameter (mm) | 2.29 ± 0.67 | 2.16 ± 1.19 | 1.000 |
| Area (mm2) | 4.18 ± 1.96 | 2.73 ± 1.02 | 0.390 |
Both the microfracture and enhanced microfracture group contained 6 cartilage defects per group (one per animal); each defect always received 3 microfracture penetrations (holes). Values are reported as mean ± standard error of the mean unless otherwise indicated. More residual microfracture holes and less peri-hole bone resorption were detected in the enhanced microfracture group. No significant difference existed for all parameters between the microfracture and enhanced microfracture group (all P > 0.05).